Miguel David, junior goalkeeper on PNW men’s soccer team, said he believes that goalkeeper is the toughest position to play on the soccer field because a goalie can’t afford to relax. David said a goalie must lead the team towards victory for the entire match.

David is the first athlete in PNW men’s soccer history to be awarded the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-Region honors. This honor means that he was recognized by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s, or NSCAA’s, All-Mideast region team

He said he was surprised when he found out he’d won the award. He was also joyous when he discovered that he was the first from PNW men’s soccer to ever do so.

“[It] feels good to be the first in our men’s soccer program,” David said. “[It’s] quite an honor.”

For an athlete to earn All-Region honors, they must be approved by a conference coach liaison that supervises the entire Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Growing up, David played in the midfield and as a defender up to his eighth-grade year, when he decided to play a game of soccer with his hands. Since then, David has played as a goalkeeper.

Ryan Hayes, head coach, said he was not surprised when he received David’s nominating certificate. He believes David is one of the hardest working players he has coached and that he is always focused during games and practices. He said that David is the kind of player that strives for excellence.

David said that it was his confidence, determination to overcome mistakes and his drive to be the best that allowed him to achieve All-region honors and be selected by the NSCAA.

David was also named first team all-Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference the last three seasons.

David is a mechatronic engineering major and French minor with plans of entering the industries of packaging or manufacturing shortly after graduation in May 2018.

David has been on the dean’s list and the Honor Roll, and he’s a member of the PNW Student Athlete Advisory Committee. His role as a member of the committee is to advocate for his fellow student-athletes and the sports they play. He is also a PNW school ambassador.

In his free time, David enjoys going to Chicago with his friends and girlfriend. He also loves to work out and play soccer.